Researchers discover process to convert adipic acid from sugar

9:36 AM MDT | April 4, 2014 | Francinia Protti-Alvarez

Researchers at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN; Singapore) have discovered a new chemical process that can convert adipic acid directly from sugar, IBN announced. Adipic acid is used to produce nylon. It is traditionally derived from petroleum-based chemicals through the nitric acid oxidation process, which emits large amounts of nitrous oxides, a major greenhouse gas. The scientists found that to convert mucic acid to adipic acid, the target reaction is deoxydehydration, a process whereby oxygen and water are removed simultaneously by...